The Emotional Impact of Infertility

If you’ve been having fertility challenges, it’s likely that you’re experiencing the emotional impact of infertility. Infertility is complex trauma and affects every area of a person’s life. It carries a weight of grief that’s often overlooked, unseen and misunderstood in society. It doesn’t fit into the usual categories of loss like death or divorce. For many people, it may be the most difficult time they’ve ever experienced in their life before. Infertility involves the loss of future possibilities which is deeply intertwined with one’s identity. 

The Impact of Infertility 

A recent study of 1,944 respondents that was published in April 2022 showed that infertility affects relationships, daily activities and overall mental health. 60% of the participants believed that a diagnosis of infertility and treatment impacted their mental health. 1 in 3 indicated that their relationship suffered because of their infertility. 

Research also shows that relationships with partners tend to become less stable the longer a couple is experiencing infertility and the higher the number of failed treatment cycles. 

Psychological distress increases the likelihood of discontinuing treatment. So, the more emotionally distressed you are, the more likely you are to discontinue treatment which reduces the chances of achieving your goals. Furthermore, even when the odds appeared in the couple’s favor, the studies indicated that couples were more likely to discontinue fertility medical treatment and had lower pregnancy rates after medical treatment. People who received emotional support are more likely to stay in treatment. 

Associated Stressors 

It’s not just about difficulty conceiving or carrying a baby to term. The experience of infertility is layered and complex. There are many stressors associated with infertility. 

• learning about various treatment options
• making decisions for treatment
• assessing costs and risks of treatment
• dealing with effects of treatment failure
• deciding if you should start treatment, when to stop treatment or when to start another cycle
• learning how to talk about your infertility with family and friends
• deciding how much to share, who to share with and when to share
• lack of support
• addressing and managing grief and emotional ups and downs

Common Emotional Experiences 

Infertility isn’t just a medical condition. It’s an emotional journey. It’s not one size fits all and there is no one way or “right” way to feel. 

We know from research that up to 40% of women experiencing infertility have a psychiatric diagnosis, most often depression or anxiety. Anxiety has been shown to be significantly higher for couples experiencing infertility challenges. 

Common emotional challenges when navigating the infertility experience

• Guilt and shame
• Low self esteem 
• Isolation 
• Feelings of inadequacy
• Sense of lost identity and purpose 
• Heightened anxiety 
• Emotional fatigue
• Anger
• Jealousy
• Stress
• Fear and anxiety 
• Relationship strain 

Infertility can feel incredibly isolating. Getting emotional support on your journey is an investment in your well-being. Reach out to schedule a free consultation call with me to explore the emotional impact of infertility in your life and how therapy can help.